WishWishWish

A Fashion Week Assortment

Carrie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:33:28 +0000

The Dreaded LFW

You must be fed up of all the London Fashion Week talk by now, right? I know I am. Truth be told, I have a bit of a love/hate affair with the whole thing. I love getting the chance to go and see the shows of brands that I’m passionate about, but I’m not so enamoured with the endless street style photographers looking you up and down to deem whether you’re worthy or not, all the running around and politics of it all. But still, it’s a force that can’t be ignored, and despite only attending one show this season, I came out with hundreds of pictures that not even the most seasoned of bloggers could edit down concisely. So here we have a mini mash up of pictures from Day 3.

I wore a silky top and fluffy skirt from Romwe, and shoes from Urban Outfitters, but don’t be fooled, this ensemble was covered up with a big black coat for rest of the day, as I’ve become attached to my appendages which certainly would have frozen off had I taken a more fashionable approach! I have no idea how the girls wandering around bare legged coped!

Unique

The only show that I went to this season was Topshop Unique. Whilst their utility inspired looks weren’t really my bag, I can appreciate that it was one of their strongest collections yet. I saw more than a hint of Alexa Chung in some of the looks, which can never be a bad thing – if I was 2 stone lighter and 4 inches taller, I’d be in that velvet jumpsuit like a flash. The front row at Unique was nearly as impressive as the collection – I tried snapping the real Alexa over the shoulders of a crowd of photographers.

You’ll also spot Jameela interviewing Jade Williams, or Sunday Girl, who is my new style crush. If you don’t know her, get Googling, she wears a two-piece perfectly!

The Ladies

The reason I come away with hundreds of photographs at fashion week is because of all the beautiful people! I have to stop hanging around with such stylish ladies because it’s doing my hard-drive no good! But in all seriousness,chatting with my favourite bloggers is the best bit about fashion week. Above you’ll spot Jen, Sandra and Shini (who took the pictures of me above, thank you!) who I had to capture in the golden light after the Topshop show. See you again in 6 months, Somerset House! x

Orla Kiely AW12

Carrie — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:38:44 +0000

Tea Dance

Every season my favourite bit of London Fashion Week is seeing what Orla Kiely has come up with, from the collection itself to the creative way that it’s being presented. This year had to be my favourite yet, and I’ve been lusting over their collections since the first time I visited them in the Portico Rooms in Somerset House 5 seasons ago.

I never know what to expect – this time around I was greeted by the sounds of a live band playing Mack The Knife, and models waltzing around the space with a handsome partner in hand. The low-lit space had been decked out like a 1940s tea dance, complete with Battenberg, hot cross buns and all the right crockery. I was far too enthralled by everything that was going on to take advantage of the plates of Bourbon biscuits though. It was something I thought needed to be filmed so I could show you properly, so I hope you enjoy the few clips I put together above.

Now let’s talk clothes! This collection is my dream wardrobe. From schoolgirl style pinafores in original colours and materials, to the prettiest of pleated collars and sparkling prom dresses. I’m sure you can see from the pictures that each item would fit seamlessly in to my wardrobe, and it’s not often at all that I can say that of a designer showcasing at London Fashion Week. I know you’ll love it too. x

Shoe Obsession

Carrie — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:50:35 +0000

Chloe

When I like something, I really like it. First it was an obsession with Gareth Gates (I had posters on my ceiling and even owned a Gareth Gates umbrella..), then came the My Chemical Romance phase, which saw me waiting up until goodness-knows what hour to catch a glimpse of them getting on their tour bus (still not over that one!). Now it seems that my passion has transferred to shoes and bags.

I first caught sight of these Chloe shoes sometime after AW06, when all my favourite bloggers seemed to own a pair. Being around 17 and stuck in the middle of the countryside at the time, it was never going to happen. Still, I searched high and low to find the perfect pair of heeled lace-up shoes, which weren’t as easy to come by it seemed in 2007. Many came close, but they still weren’t the shoe. I even contemplated buying some a size and half too big, that’s how much I wanted them. I was all about the chunky wooden heel, the almond shaped toe..the way that my favourite bloggers wore them all the time, making them look like the most comfortable shoe..

Still, I persisted, and after trawling eBay for over 4 years..ta da..!! A little scuffed on the bottom, but nothing that I wouldn’t have done myself. Now they better be bloomin’ comfortable, because I’ve got plans for me and my new shoes!

That’s them ticked off the list..now for the Miu Miu bag ; ) x

Hello New Hair

Carrie — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:04:24 +0000

Taylor Taylor

Hello! I haven’t disappeared – it’s my last year of uni, and apparently I’m great at putting things off so have been squirrelling away at the first half of my Final Major Project for a week. Phew. Anyway, I’m back with a bit of a change, my hair!

My poor thin hair has been looking it’s most boring over the past year, which is unusual for me as I like to have something interesting, so thought it was about time I did something about it. Well, not me as much as my wonderful stylists, Jenny and Marcelo at Taylor Taylor in Spitalfields. I always think if I’m going to get my hair cut (which happens around once a year, oops) I just as well go somewhere impressive, and I definitely made the right choice in Taylor Taylor, it was the most luxurious hair cut I’ve ever had! I’m sure you can tell from the pictures, too. The place is just beautiful.

Both my stylists knew exactly what I wanted, and I was completely confident trusting them with my hair. As you can see if you have a quick scroll down, I opted to go a few shades darker and get a full fringe. I admit, it’s a lot Deschanel, but who doesn’t want to look like her at the moment? I’ve had a few people I know not recognise me, and I’m still having great fun seeing it looks styled in different ways. In the picture my fringe looks a little longer than it is as it’s not had time to spring back up after my blow-dry, before anybody worries about my sight!

My desire for a full fringe began last year when I was talking to Elodie in Paris; she said how getting he fringe had made her feel like a new person. That played on my mind and I couldn’t wait to get a new look. She was right – I have been adjusting to the ‘new Carrie’, seeing what make-up works with my new colour, and which up-dos look best. I’m finally used to catching myself in the mirror. It sounds strange, but I almost feel more like myself than with my natural colour, having spent my teenage years with black and purple hair. I’m excited to show you properly!

Thank you Taylor Taylor! I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face when I left the salon. x

Black & White

Carrie — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:11:45 +0000

NW6

This was a bit of an impromptu outfit shoot, Lucy and I had just finished afternoon tea at Bake-a-Boo, completely full of scones and jam, and decided before it was dark we’d shoot what we were wearing. I went for my usual red and blue combo (a nod to Anna in Une Femme Est Une Femme, perhaps!) complete with obligatory warm coat. Apologies to any neighbours of Broomsleigh St that we disrupted with our giggling.

It was late enough that this green doored shop had closed for the day, meaning it wasn’t the best light for pictures (you’ve all experienced this, I’m sure), so I thought I’d rescue some of the blurrier images by turning them black and white, something I don’t think I’ve ever done in the history of the blog..! I suppose it makes sense to have colour when posting outfits, but there is no harm in a nod to an old 60s snap when those are the ones I take all my inspiration from in the first place. Maybe I’ll give it a go more often!

I should also mention another change before I give you a shock in posts to come – this is the last time you’ll see my hair looking like this for a while! I’ve had a cut and colour! I’m just getting used to it but love it so much already. More on that soon though ; )

Thank you Lucy for taking the pictures! x

Coat - YesStyle | Dress - Family Affairs | Bag - My Suelly
Tights - New Look | Shoes - Office

Elbow Patches

Carrie — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:11:27 +0000

I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles

There isn’t much as satisfying as blowing bubbles. I can happily sit there until I’m feeling dizzy from blowing, watching to see how far they travel. And now I have my own permanent bubble blower to sit around my neck, a kind gift from Fairytales & Hidden Notes. I’ve always loved a quirky necklace – one that serves a purpose, like a watch, or compass, so this is another to add to my growing collection Isn’t it sweet?!

Taking these pictures, we were treated to everything from light rain and hail, to bright sunshine. I wish the British weather would make up it’s mind. Either way, I’ve been embracing wearing layers, and in this case trousers (!!!) too. It’s far too cold to keep on ignoring them, and these make me feel a little Sherlock (talking of which, Lucy and I were spying on Martin Freeman, or Watson, in Liberty the other day).

I think I said a while back that I wasn’t going to buy into the elbow patches ‘fad’, and here I am, eating my words. Blame the sales, I couldn’t help myself! x

P.S -I’ve just joined Pinterest, it’s probably going to take over my life. Link me to yours!

Coat - Urban Outfitters | Jumper - See by Chloe | Shirt - Zara
Trousers - YesStyle | Bag - My Suelly | Shoes - topshop.com

Out & About

Carrie — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:05:34 +0000

Bloom

A bit of a mix and match post. This past week has been so busy – including lots of nice things, as it’s important to make time for them too. The photos above were taken on Miguel’s birthday – we went for a stroll around London, including a quick stop at the florist in Liberty – I always have such an urge to take outfit shots here, it looks so beautiful. Tourists coupled with Miguel’s desire not to have to take any pictures on his birthday means I’ll have to head back another day to get my flowery outfit pictures. It’s not very clear, but I’m wearing a little blue boucle jacket and matching shorts underneath my coat – I would have been as bright as the flowers if it was warm enough to have shed my layers. Our walk was followed by dinner and a ‘cinema date’. We went to see Hugo, which was beautiful – I came out wanting to look just like Isabelle, and completely full of popcorn (not a fantastic way to achieve the gamine look).

Another day saw Lucy and I meeting with Mariell for afternoon tea at The Wolseley. I had no idea what this place was like until I arrived to a gaggle of tourists outside proclaiming they had just seen Stephen Fry exiting. Of course, the tea was divine, as was my company. We left when it was dark, and Lucy and I wandered around the houses in Mayfair, deciding what on earth we could do with our lives to be able to afford a house there (any ideas?!!)

And now back to reality as I get ready for an afternoon of dissertation! Outfitty posts soon, I promise x

V&R

Carrie — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:21:28 +0000

Spicebomb

Sometimes, I feel like I’m leading some sort of double life. One day, slogging my laptop in to university and returning home to a kebab, the next, being invited on a last minute trip to Paris to attend the launch of Viktor & Rolf’s new fragrance (!!?!). Despite it being for the launch of their new male fragrance, Spicebomb, I wasn’t going to turn down the chance for an impromptu trip to what is fast becoming my favourite city. And I was right to accept as I had an amazing day that began watching the Viktor & Rolf menswear show. Who am I to deny you a few pictures of those beautiful male models? They are so other-worldly, you never see men like that walking down the street. Ahh, enough about pretty boys, more about cake.

Our next stop was La Meurice, where we were introduced to the new fragrance over tea and scones. I’m no perfumer, so can’t describe the scent in my own words, but what I can tell you is, it’s a fragrance I wouldn’t mind smelling on my fella on a daily basis. I was lucky enough to get to chat to very accommodating Rolf about the creation of Spicebomb, which was of particular interest to me as I’d studied perfume at university. The perfume began as an idea and a name before any notions of ingredients or scents were introduced. The counterpart to the beautiful Flowerbomb (which I’ll admit I hadn’t tried until sitting at the table in La Meurice, where they were being used as decoration), it’s masculine without being overpowering. I was happy to have received a bottle to take home with me (and so was Miguel, who I now keep sniffing!).

Anyway, being Carrie, instead of taking pictures of the perfume in question, I seemed to be concentrating more on the food and beautiful surroundings. I had the lovely Slanelle to help take the pictures of me – I thought I’d better look a bit smart so paired a Vivetta dress with my coat from The Kooples and a pair of New Look courts.

I could write a million more things about the day, from my love for Paris to snoring men on the Eurostar, but I’ll be here forever, so I suppose I’ll let the pictures do the talking. x

Viktor&Rolf - Spicebomb

Faker

Carrie — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:07:28 +0000

Perfect Vision

I don’t need glasses. Aside from that one time the optician told me I needed to stop wearing so much eyeliner because I was blocking my tear ducts (oops), I’ve always had perfect vision. But living in a house full of spectacle-wearers, I can’t help but being intrigued. I feel a twinge of jealousy when Lucy comes downstairs with her fun plastic frames in various colours, not for the vision problems, of course, but how they can be an accessory and add something extra to an outfit too.

With the whole hipster frame trend dying down, I thought it was about time I had a play with a pair of Lucy’s clear-lensed specs. It’s funny how they make you look like a completely different person! It probably doesn’t help the tired stereotype that I paired them with an outfit that the previous week I’d worn and declared “a bit geeky”, but hey, I was coding my own fan sites at age 13 so I probably deserve the title, decent vision or otherwise.

However much I love the way a pair of glasses might look on my face (I’m partial to ray bans, I must say), I think I’d still feel uncomfortable wearing them out and about. Like everybody would know. I’d love to hear your thoughts on wearing glasses that you don’t need!

Anyway, the rest of the outfit was picked purely for comfort reasons as these were taken during the lunch break of a long day at university. I still can’t get enough of these tights! Oh, and please excuse my hair – apparently the weather had other ideas for it today! x

Beret - YesStyle | Coat - Urban Outfitters | Jumper - River Island
Dress - Vintage | Tights - Topshop | Shoes - ASOS

Springtime in Winter

Carrie — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:46:25 +0000

Hey, Grandad

Sometimes, I get an idea for a particular sartorial pairing in my head, and it just won’t go, nevermind the season. In this case it was my new Grandad-like loafers and a pair of minty socks. It’s not often that I’ll get dressed starting from the feet up, but this was one of those occasions; I looked a sight as a pulled out various garments from my wardrobe in my underwear, a pair of socks, and patent loafers.

After dismissing a pair of yellow cropped trousers (yup, I pulled them on OVER the shoes because I’m that lazy), I opted for my old faithful Topshop summer dress, so the socks and shoes could do the ‘talking’. I’d rather I didn’t need a coat at all, but if there was one for the job it had to be this fluffy Motel number, or as I like to call it, my ‘outside dressing gown’.

To finish off my favourite colour palette of the moment, I painted my nails in Chanel’s Orange Fizz, a pinky orange that I can’t get enough of, and my lips in YSL’s Rouge Volupte in Peach Faubourg. You can’t see the lipstick too well in the photos, but it’s extremely light and peachy, so I have to pat some off on a tissue to avoid looking too washed out.

So, now that I’ve got that out of my system, expect to see this paring again once springtime rears it’s head and I don’t need to wear a coat! Perhaps with a pair of trousers or shorts for a really authentic old man look ; ) What is it with me dressing like every age group and gender other than my own?! x

Dress - Topshop | Coat - c/o Motel | Shoes - YesStyle.co.uk
Bag - Mulberry